Cub Cadet XT2 42" 2017 riding mower

[sweetolbob]

John, You're right about the beating a riding tractor will take up here from moving snow. In your neck of the woods it might be a good way to get a heavy duty riding mower at a good price. The reason I don't invest tons of money in a riding mower is it has one job, cut the grass on a couple of lots.

This is what I use to move the deep - wet snow from several long driveways, drag/haul things around the property and pull folks out of the shallow ditches around the neighborhood. It ain't fast but close to unstoppable. It's why I just wear out a lawn mower from age.

[jclary]

I have joked that about the only thing folks up north have not adapted to a snow plow is a baby carriage.

Of course, if someone ever does... it will probably be powered by a small block CHEVY!

[rockne10]

I still mow with my 1975 International Cadet 76. I would rather fix than switch; unless I could trade it for a Gravely of similar vintage.

[Milaca]

Being that this has gone off topic from a new Cub Cadet, I will share what I have.
It was taking me too long to mow my lawn with my Simplicity 38" cut rider, so last year I bought a 20+ year old Toro Groundsmaster mulching 61" front-deck diesel-powered mower for cheap. The heavy brute has over 4000 hours on it, but the 3-cylinder 23 HP Mitsubishi engine runs great, has lots of power and consumes very little fuel. It has a tight turning radius (great for around trees) and great visibility. It handles a bit odd being that it is rear steer, but it mows a lot of grass quickly! These are typically found at golf courses, municipalities and schools as they are very durable (and very expensive when new). The only downside is that you will need a 4x4 truck to pull it out if you ever get it stuck in your wet, soggy springtime yard. Ask me how I know....

[rodnutrandy]

I invested in a new mower a couple years ago . Getting older and got tired of working on my craftsman . Went way out and bought a new Kubota GR2120 with 54 inch deck . I mow about 2 acres of woods that is hilly . This mower is a 3 cylinder diesel with Power Steering , Hydraulic lift deck and shaft driven Deck . Also 4 wheel Drive. I flat love it ! it sips fuel , Blades are 3 times thicker than the Craftsman I had . Grass is not thick in my woods , but found I can mow down at road 3 ft. high grass as easy as my yard. I recently had spine surgery and have been out of service > My wife , who never mowed , has taken over mowing . She said the mowing is easiest Job she has taken of my previous jobs .

[cruiser]

I agree with post # 18 from 'rockne10' in that the ONLY manufacturer that you guys

should be giving a lot of consideration to is " G R A V E L Y " which was a division of

STUDEBAKER from 1960 until 1970 . In fact the modern Gravely has just hit its 100

year mark last year . To last that long , they must be doing something right . Maybe

just 'google' Gravely and see if they have the product you want at a reasonable price

and a good Dealer close by in your area . If they don't have the "right" product for

for you , I'd be surprised ! No I don't have shares in Gravely but I've got some old

Studebaker Stock Certificates that were going gangbusters back in 1964 . CHEERS

CRUISER

[sweetolbob]

In fact, I was looking for a yard tractor not a zero turn nor walk behind so Gravely was not among the finalists. While I am guilty of certain brand loyalty, the yard tractor market is essentially a pick your favorite distinction as in any price class you are looking at essentially the same drive train.. In my price range it was Kohler 7000 or Kawasaki FR series and a torq tuff K46 trans axle. Go cheaper and the B&S's show up a lot and the less expensive trans axles.

Increase the price and Kohler and Kawasaki still are major engine choices but you get into tougher trans axles.

I eventually chose the Husqvarna yt42dxls because it had the cast front axle, rigid frame, fabricated lifetime warranty deck and a limited slip trans axle. Warranties are all about the same and with the discounts and store credits it was a tick over $2200 OTD. It should serve this 74 YO for a number of years as it's main job is cutting grass.

The heavy duty workload is carried by the Kabota RTV-900 diesel so the Husky should do well enough. So far, so good as it's in the process of becoming broken in.

It seems orange is becoming my color.

Bob